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Stevie Wonder...The Legend

Since I was a little girl, I have been a fan of Stevie Wonder and his music. I grew up on Stevie Wonder and have always wanted to experience the live version of his musical genius. When I learned that Stevie Wonder would be touring and performing his album, Songs in the Key of Life in it’s entirety, I was sold! On March 17, 2015 my inner child came alive as I could not contain my excitement as Stevie Wonder took the stage at the Pepsi Center. As Stevie took the stage with his daughter,who is also a back-up singer, he took the time to talk with the crowd, shedding light on when he started writing Songs in the Key of Life along with showcasing his comic side with a reference that he “did not smoke any of Colorado’s good grass but maybe if [he] did smoke, it would help [him] see more clearly.” Although I enjoy when an artist takes the time to speak to their fans, the anticipation for Stevie to start belting out his tunes was palpable.

Stevie took the stage with a 30 piece band and opened with "Love’s in need of Love Today.” I was immediately captivated by Stevie’s clear, concise, strong and uplifting vocals. One of the great things I have enjoyed about Stevie’s music through the years is that it is socially conscious, uplifting and teaches us to love everyone. This particular album, Songs in the Key of Life, was released in 1976 on topics that are still relevant today: politics, social theory, poverty, love and hope. I find that I revel in music that is timeless and continues to have meaning that spans decades. In my opinion, this type of musical artistry does not happen often but, when it does, it provides a spiritual and magical haven for music lovers. Stevie Wonder is the type of masterful talent that does not fade...there is only one Stevie Wonder.

As if Stevie serenading us all night was not enough of a treat, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea joined Stevie on stage toward the end of the show to play a rendition of “As.” Not only did Hancock and Corea guest on "As," but they stuck around for a jam on Hancock's "Watermelon Man.” It was wonderful to see both of them perform live with Stevie. Getting to see these three legends perform on one stage was music at its best and downright heavenly. Once Chick and Herbie left the stage, Stevie completed the full album of Songs In The Key Of Life with "Another Star." Stevie then treated his fans to a dose of hits as an encore: "Living For The City," "Uptight (Everything's Alright)" and "Superstition."

At about midnight, the concert ended and my heart was full of joy, happiness and divine intervention. Going into this experience, I was dealing with personal issues. I left this concert spiritually lifted, renewed, refreshed and awash in peace, this is the power of music: your life, thought process and feelings can be changed just by listening.

In honor of Stevie Wonder, and to start a conversation, I would like to share some of my favorite songs off the album. What are some of yours?

I have quite a few favorites of Stevie's music. The one that sticks out the most would be "Golden Lady". My Father would sing that to me when I was very little. Stevie Wonder was his favorite artist and Songs in the Key of Life was his favorite album. Stevie's music takes me back to spending Sundays at the park with my Dad.

Oh man, vinyl is the good stuff I grew up listening to music on vinyl! Just last summer my family and I visited our relatives in Michigan and my uncle played some Earth, Wind & Fire on vinyl....heavenly ;) Thanks for sharing!

Very nicely written. Some of my favorites are, Isn't She Lovely, AS & Love's In Need of Love Today. You appreciate Stevie's as a musical genius but also because when I was pregnant with you, your Dad & I saw Stevie in concert:-) Just saying!!!